Portrait of Sin Suk-ju

Basic information

Designation

Treasure No.613

Category

Painting

Era

미상

Designated year

1977

Location

청주시, 충청북도— 충청북도 청주시

Coordinates

No precise coordinates are available, so this item is not shown as a map marker. To be added later.

This portrait of Sin Suk-ju (pen-name: Bohanjae, 1417-1475), a scholar-official of early Joseon, is 109.5㎝ by 167㎝. Sin Suk-ju was an accomplished scholar and a great penman and is remembered especially for his participation in the creation of Hangeul (Korean Alphabet). In this seated portrait, Shin Suk-ku is wearing a green court official’s costume and is looking toward his right. The large chest patch, embroidered with clouds and wild geese, is in the new style that first appeared in Joseon, and indicates that this portrait was made when he was an official of rank 2. The face appears to have been retouched several times, even after it was globally re-worked in 1475 (the 6th year of King Seongjong’s reign). Nevertheless, it looks quite natural and is meticulously painted. The colors and outlines of garments are also impressive in the quality of execution. The character and personality of Sin Suk-ju shine through in this portrait. This painting, remarkable for both the line drawing and colors, is a work of outstanding artistic merit.